The nation’s best-dressed troopers in your rear-view mirror

If it’s any consolation to that driving infraction down the road, the next time you get pulled over by a Washington State Patrol Trooper, you’ll be be handing your license over to one of the best-dressed law enforcement officers in the nation.

(Washington State Patrol photo)

At least that’s according to the results of a nationwide contest by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors, which picked our bow-tied troopers with their “Smokey Bear” campaign hats as having the most spiffy outfits of all state police uniforms in the entire country.

“If you really want to be the best, you have to look your best,” State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in an online statement.

Here’s more from the media release on the award for our troopers:

“Uniforms are an integral part of police work. The uniform identifies the wearer as an authority figure, and as someone who the public can go to in time of crisis.

“When a citizen in need meets a trooper whose bow tie is straight and whose shoes are shined, they know right away that they’re being assisted by a professional,” Batiste said. “We believe a positive first impression helps create a positive overall contact.”

(Washington State Patrol photo)

‘The campaign hat and black bow tie first became part of the WSP uniform circa 1937. These two items distinguish a WSP Trooper from other law enforcement officers. . . . Each campaign hat and bow tie worn by a WSP Trooper is a representation of the professionalism and pride of all the men and women of the WSP.”

P-I reporter Casey McNerthney adds these observations from the State Patrol’s chief spokesman:

“It’s a real honor for our agency to have been the recipient of that recognition,” Trooper Jeff Merrill said. “Our uniform hasn’t changed hardly at all since the early 1900s when the State Patrol began. And pride runs deep in the organization.”

Troopers have a summer uniform, which includes a short-sleeved shirt and a straw campaign hat. The winter uniform, which troopers starting wearing Nov. 1, has a long-sleeved shirt, felt campaign hat and a bow tie that can be switched for a navy blue turtle neck.

“We sometimes take a little razzing for the bow tie,” Merrill said, “but we think it looks awfully sharp.”

Troopers are required to keep their uniform and patrol car clean. Many dry clean their uniforms about once a week and keep a backup in their car in case they run into, uh, dirty work.